Dorota

Can you tell us about your journey into photography?

I am an amateur photographer. I've been taking photos all my life, more as a chronicle of places I visited. I was less than 10 years old when I got from my dad, my first camera. Analog, very basic, with a film that needed to be inserted manually, in a dark room (usually under the blanket). That was my introduction to photography. Decades ago. Now, for the last 10 years or so, I started to actually pay attention to the things I look at, and how I photograph them.
My dad was a graphic designer by profession, and historian as a hobbyist. He would take me to art galleries, museums, art exhibitions. Also, when we traveled together, we would visit castles, churches, palaces. He made me to get interested in art, and especially architecture. I did not have any talent of a designer, but I started to understand the concepts of composition, lines, angles, etc. Architecture included all those aspects, and the imagination had no limits.
For a long time I was just an observer. Someone taking photos without any particular purpose, well, except for making memories last. Then I decided that I want more then that. I wanted my photos to be interested. Different. I wanted people to notice them. I started to concentrate on details, tight, close shots, and views that not everyone see.
As I've mentioned, my dad introduced me to art and artistic view, but it's the few architects that I absolutely love, and when I see their work in real life, it gives me goose bumps. My Number 1, the One & Only, is Zaha Hadid. Right next to her, a genius whom I admire, is Frank Gehry. Also Santiago Calatrava, Jean Nouvel, Norman Foster, and a few others. They all have distinct, recognisable styles and that is what I would love to achieve in my photography.
I have a telephone, currently Samsung S23 Ultra, and Nikon D7500. I'm not a very technical photographer and never use the Manual mode. I just don't have time to sit down and learn. I know, I know, but it will come some day 🙂
That particular photo I was lucky to take at a hotel in Tangier, Morocco. Last May, I participated in a 8 days long street photography workshop, organized by one of the best Polish photographers, Piotr Trybalski, and we were booked for 3 nights at that hotel. When I saw the staircase, I knew that even if I fail at the street photography, my participation was fulfilled. I've accomplished something!
I took a few shots of the spiral. Looking up. Looking down. The one that I chose for the competition was because I see here an eye. Perhaps a chameleon. Perhaps a bird. But someone is looking at you.
The light was not very bright, but because of the contrast between black and white, it was easy to switch the photo to B&W and make it sharp in "color" and shadows. The overall picture is softened by the round shape of the balustrade, so everything balances out.
I like simplicity. Pureness in photography. I hope that viewers looking at my photo will see the beauty of streamline, easiness. Great photo does not have to very detailed and complicated. Simple is beautiful.
Photography is my passion. I wish I had more time that I could devote to it, but I have to wait until I retire, so a bit more. It gives me happiness and excitement, especially when I see something, and in my head, I start right away to compose. Photography is my freedom from everyday life. It lets me to express myself.
Modern architecture, the one I concentrate on, is very criticized. Majority people do not like change. Do not accept innovation, new ideas, new concepts. I'm hoping to show that it is beautiful. It needs to be recognized and accepted, because that is the only way to grow, and develop.
Well. I was trilled! Of course. Every recognition is a proof to me that what I'm doing makes sense. That my artistic view is noticed and appreciated. That is always the most important thing in being acknowledged and awarded.
My favorite part of the world is Middle East. For various reasons, but modern architecture photography is one of them. Very much up high. Soon I will be visiting Qatar, for the first time, and I'm looking forward all the possibilities that amazing place offers.
You guys are a great platform for photographers. I'm honored to participate and be recognized. I would love if you were offering to purchase a trophies for all level winners.